Flight test: Airbus keeps family faithful with A350

When Airbus conceived the all-new A350 XWB almost a decade ago, it did so after first attempting to create a challenger to the Boeing 787 based on its existing “big-twin”, the A330. As that aircraft’s conception saw it evolving away significantly from the type upon which it was based, and still not satisfying the needs of many customers, Airbus took the brave decision to abandon the original plan and adopt an all-new approach with A350 XWB, powered by advanced generation Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines.